Dan Leach’s Tuesday Morning Quarterback Week 15

ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 16: A member of the Atlanta Falcons Cheerleaders performs during the game against the New York Giants at the Georgia Dome on December 16, 2012 in Atlanta, Georgia (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 16: A member of the Atlanta Falcons Cheerleaders performs during the game against the New York Giants at the Georgia Dome on December 16, 2012 in Atlanta, Georgia (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)

Sports are a big part of many of our lives, but at times they take a back seat to much more important matters and it is during those times that we realize how lucky we are to have sports as a diversion; to give us a reprieve from very tough times in ours and others lives. This past weekend was one of those times as the unspeakable tragedy in Connecticut gave us all pause and as we move forward as a nation and heal, I just pray that we find ways to do whatever it takes to not let this happen ever again. As the President said so eloquently, “We cannot tolerate this anymore, we are better than this.” I want to send my heartfelt prayers to all those affected by this unconscionable tragedy.

THINGS WE LEARNED-

No matter who is under center for the Skins they are simply a good team that is only getting better. Kirk “Kissing” Cousins stepped in for the injured RG3 and Washington didn’t skip a bit, aside from defensively of course, in their dismantling of the Browns on the road. They now find themselves in a three way tie atop the NFC East and have the schedule remaining to actually win the division. Don’t look now, but this is a team that has the balance, a QB who when healthy is a true game changer, and the confidence to make a run to the Super Bowl.

The Detroit Lions had better be good next season. Cause if they are not decades of frustration that turned into hope last season will be lost and the entire coaching staff could be gone. The Lions have absolutely regressed this season and looked listless against a BAD Cardinals team on Sunday. There is still a lot of talent and great core of players in Motown, but anything short of a playoff win next season will be considered a disappointment and long suffering Lions fans will once again wonder if their team will ever have success.

Don’t sleep on San Fran just yet. The Niners in recent weeks were showing signs of weakness, but with their resounding win at New England on Sunday night they re-announced their intentions to win the Super Bowl this season. There are questions about what happened to their vaunted defense in the second half, but all in all this is a team that has all the weapons to make a run in January, and hopefully not fumble any kickoff returns this time:)

THINGS WE STILL WANT TO KNOW

Just when will the Jets realize that they have no idea what they are doing as a football organization. This was a team that just two years ago was playing in their second straight AFC title game and over the past two years has seemingly not had a clue how to win, draft, or play offense if their life depended on it. I think the Rex Ryan run is going to come to an end, whether it is this year or next, with nothing to show for it and that is too bad because I do think that Ryan is a good coach, but works for an organization that is absolutely clueless.

Will the defending champion Giants even make the playoffs? Do they even deserve to? The G-men simply have lost their way and after their inexcusable 34-0 loss at the hands of the Falcons there is a very good chance that they will not be playing in January. This has to be a major disappointment for Giants fans as it is unbelievably tough to repeat as Super Bowl champs, but to play the way the Giants have for the most part of a month is the worst possible way to end your title reign.

If you could get any coach for Christmas who would it be? For me it would be the ghost of Vince Lombardi.

EARLY LOOK AT WEEK 16 NFL KEY GAMES (CURRENT LINES AS OF TUESDAY MORNING) Rated on a 1-5 Bagel and Locks system

Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers (Pittsburgh -4.5 Total 43.5) – Don’t look now, but the Bengals have the type of team that could go on a destiny-type run in the postseason. Led by a QB in Andy Dalton that seems to keep getting better, a WR in A.J Green that can take over a game and a defense that is extremely underrated, the Bengals are fast becoming an AFC threat. Pittsburgh has Big Ben back and lost a heart breaker to the Cowboys in OT and now will have to deal with a Cinci team at the peak of its confidence this season.

Play – 3.4 Bagels on the BENGALS +4.5

Minnesota Vikings at Houston Texans (Denver -7.5 Total 43.5) – The Texans reclaimed some of their lost confidence in the big win over Indy, but now face a Vikings team that looks like it is on a mission. Adrian Peterson is simply the best RB in the game right now and is making a serious case for MVP. The Vikes D is playing out of its mind and Minny needs this game a lot more than Houston does.

What a game we have in store for a “Flexed” Sunday Night Football. The Seahawks have been playing some insane football as of late and are still alive for the NFC West crown. The Niners come off a statement win at New England and have a first year starting QB in Colin Kaepernick who is playing out of his mind. This game is going to be a barn burner and could come down to the final possession and key turnover to win it. The Seahawks are playing too good at home and have the too big of a home field advantage to lose this one with so much on the line.

Play – 4 Bengals on the SEAHAWKS

DAN LEACH JUST RECEIVED A GOLDEN GLOBE NOMINATION FOR HIS TURN AS JEAN VALJEAN IN THE UPCOMING FILM RELEASE OF “LES MISERABLES” , LIVED AN ENTIRE DECEMBER IN 2008 ON NOTHING BUT EGG NOG AND HOPE, AND ONCE HIKED MT KILIMANJARO IN RECORD TIME WEARING JUST FLIP FLOPS, BERMUDA SHORTS, AND AN LL COOL J T SHIRT.

Dan LeachBorn and raised in one of the nation's most important cities, Detroit, Dan Leach has always had a very deep connection to the city and teams he grew...More fromDan Leach